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Sri Lanka will have another change at the top when they begin their T20I series against England later this month. Kusal Mendis was initially named captain for the white-ball tour, but his recovery from a right hamstring injury has not progressed enough for him to feature in the three-match T20I series. Charith Asalanka, who had been named his deputy, will now take charge of the side.
The latest change also highlights an unusual trend in Sri Lankan T20I cricket. Since 2021, the national side has had seven different players captain the team, with Dasun Shanaka taking the most responsibility during this period. Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asalanka and Mendis have also led Sri Lanka in the format, reflecting the frequent changes in leadership.
Kusal Mendis replaced as captain by Charith Asalanka
Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando have been ruled out of Sri Lanka's upcoming T20I series against England after failing to complete their rehabilitation from injuries sustained during the 2026 Lanka Premier League. Mendis is recovering from a right hamstring problem, while Fernando is dealing with a back injury.
The timing of the update was significant because both players had initially been included in Sri Lanka's 16-member squad. Mendis was named captain for both the T20I and ODI legs, while Asalanka was appointed vice-captain. With Mendis unavailable for the T20Is, Asalanka will now lead the team.
Pavan Rathnayake has replaced Mendis in the T20I squad, while left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has come in for Fernando. Mendis remains part of the ODI squad for now, meaning his availability for that leg of the tour will be assessed separately.
The T20I series will begin in Southampton on September 15, followed by matches in Cardiff on September 17 and Manchester on September 19. The three ODIs will then be played between September 22 and 27.
Asalanka's return to the leadership group is another interesting twist. He had previously captained Sri Lanka in T20Is before being replaced by Shanaka ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Thala for a reason? Sri Lanka have had 7 T20I captains since 2021
Sri Lanka's leadership changes become clearer when the numbers are put together. Since 2021, seven different players have captained the team in T20Is.
| Captain | Period shown | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Angelo Mathews | 2021 | 3 |
| Kusal Perera | 2021 | 3 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 2021-2023 | 45 |
| Sahan Arachchige | 2023 Asian Games | 1 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 2024 | 10 |
| Charith Asalanka | 2024-2025 | 23 |
| Kusal Mendis | 2026 | 3* |
*Before his latest injury-enforced absence.
The biggest difference among them is Shanaka's tenure. He became Sri Lanka's regular T20I captain in 2021 and accumulated far more matches as skipper than anyone else in this seven-player group. He was also appointed captain for the 2026 T20 World Cup after Asalanka had led the side.
Asalanka's latest promotion means he will now return to the captain's chair despite only recently being brought back into the leadership group. His appointment also makes him the first-choice option whenever Mendis is unavailable, given that he was originally named vice-captain for the England tour.
From Shanaka to Mendis, Sri Lanka’s T20I captaincy has kept changing
The frequent leadership changes underline how unsettled Sri Lanka's T20I setup has been over the last five years. Dasun Shanaka provided the longest period of continuity, but the team subsequently moved through Hasaranga, Asalanka and Mendis.
Hasaranga took over after the 2023 ODI World Cup period, before stepping down from the T20I captaincy in 2024. Asalanka then became the regular T20I and ODI captain, only for Shanaka to return ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
